Block for cattle-guards



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.-

ELLIS K. KENNEDY, OF OARROLLTON, OHIO.

BLOCK FOR CATTLE-GUARDS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 551,971, dated December 24, 1895. Application filed February 7, 1895. Serial No. 537,588. (No model.)

T0 all whmn it may concern.:

Be it known that I, ELLIS K. KENNEDY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Oarrollton, in the county of Carroll and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Blocks for Cattle-Guards; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making a part of this specification, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, in which`- Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a number of blocks placed in proper position to form a cattle-guard. Fig. 2 is a view of one of the blocks. Fig. Sis a transverse section of one of the blocks. f

The present invention has relation to improvements in blocks for cattle-guards; and it consists in the novel construction and arrangement hereinafter described, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures of the drawings.

In the accompanying drawings, B represents the block proper, which is preferably formed of clay or shale and vitrified by burning. T he top or upper edges of the blocks are provided with two or more ridges d, thereby providing inverted -V- shaped tops or ridges.

In use the blocks B are placed upon the ties at the place upon the track where it is desired to locate a cattle-guard. The blocks B are formed of such a length that when properly placedupon the ties their ends will abut against each other, thereby forming continuous ridges throughout the entire length of the guard proper.

It will be understood that the ties of the railway-track are to be placed in such a position with reference to each other that the blocks B will rest upon two tiesand the joints of the blocks arranged to come about in the center of each tie, thereby providing proper supportfor all the blocks forming the cattleguard.

The blocks B are securely attached to the ties by means of suitable nails or spikes passed through the blocks and driven into the ties.

It will be understood that by my peculiar construction I am enabled to replace any desired number of blocks without disturbing the blocks not designed to be replaced, inasmuch as the blocks are preferably made of uniform size and the tics placed a uniform distance apart. It will also be understood that by providing blocks having inverted-V-shaped ridges and placing the blocks in the position described a surface will be presented that will prevent cattle or other animals from walking upon the cattle-guard proper.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. As an improved article of manufacture,

-a block for cattle guards formed of vitrified clay or shale having an inverted V shaped ridge or ridges upon its upper edge, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. A cattle guard formed of blocks of vitrified clay or shale, said blocks provided with inverted V shaped ridges,substantiall y as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony that I claim the above Ihavc hereunto subscribed :my name in the presence of two witnesses.

ELLIS K. KENNEDY.

IVitnesses:

J. A. JEFFERs, F. W. BOND. 

